Van Hollen, Joins Schatz, Colleagues in Resolution Celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and 25 Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, uplift the contributions and bravery of the transgender community worldwide, and highlight the continuing discrimination the community faces.

“Today we honor the achievements of transgender individuals – as well as their resilience in the face of ongoing discrimination and violence,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This resolution affirms the dignity of the trans community and our commitment to a future where all are free to live as their authentic selves – without fear of prejudice or harm.”

“International Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the transgender community around the world – their achievements, their courage, and their right to live openly and authentically,” said Senator Schatz. “Truly celebrating them also means raising awareness of the discrimination and violence they continue to face – and reaffirming our commitment to fighting back against any and all attacks. While we’ve made progress over the years – thanks to the bravery of many transgender leaders – the work for full equality, acceptance, and civil rights protections continues.”

This resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.).

“Every trans American deserves to live their truth, free from violence and discrimination. As we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, I am proud to support the transgender and non-binary community, today and every day,” said Senator Merkley. “We must all recommit to fighting for a better future by passing laws like my Equality Act to protect LGBTQ+ people across the country.”

“On International Transgender Day of Visibility, and every day, we must celebrate the achievements and contributions of the transgender community to our society,” said Senator Carper. “I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce this resolution and continue the fight to make sure that transgender Americans, like all Americans, have the right to live with dignity and equal protection under the law.”

“Today, we celebrate the bravery, resilience, and contributions of the transgender community and reaffirm our commitment to helping ensure all people—regardless of their identity—can feel safe in our communities and live freely with dignity and respect,” said Senator Hirono. “No one should have to live in fear for simply existing as their authentic self. At a time when transgender people continue to face discrimination and violence,  I will keep fighting to combat hate and advance justice for the LGBTQ+ community.”

“Every American deserves to live proudly as their authentic selves without fear of persecution, but sadly, for Americans who identify as transgender, that is not always the case. In a time of rising attacks on the trans community, countless Americans have courageously raised their voices to stand up against hate and I am proud to stand with them,” said Senator Baldwin. “As we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, I’m reflecting on the progress we’ve made and the work we still have left to do to ensure no American has to live in fear for simply being who they are.” 

“Trans people in America and across the globe deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “On International Transgender Day of Visibility and every day, I stand with the trans community as we work together to end hatred, violence, and discrimination in this country.”

“I’m proud to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility and support all those who are living as their authentic selves,” said Senator Casey. “I’ll always fight to make sure that trans and nonbinary kids, students, and adults get the safety and respect that they deserve.”

“Today is an opportunity to celebrate the bravery of transgender Americans,” said Senator Durbin. “Many Republican legislators are forcefully pushing a cruel campaign to dehumanize and villainize our trans friends and neighbors. That bigotry and hate cannot stand. My message to transgender youth and adults alike: I stand with you and your ability to live an authentic life, and I will fight for the civil rights protections and equality that you deserve.”

“As we celebrate Trans Day of Visibility, we must also recommit to justice and equality for the transgender and nonbinary community,” said Senator Markey. “Trans and nonbinary people should have the freedom to live freely free from discrimination and harassment and to experience trans joy and pride. Today, and every day, we must work to make that simple truth a reality.”

“On Trans Day of Visibility, we celebrate the contributions and resilience of trans people in Colorado and across the country,” said Senator Bennet. “Today and every day, we must commit to protecting the trans community and work to end the daily discrimination and violence they face.”

“Trans people deserve to live their truth in loving, supportive, and safe communities. But right now, a rising tide of hate and transphobic legislation endangers trans people's rights to live authentically and in peace,” said Senator Welch. “This resolution honors the bravery and endurance of the trans community, and I'm proud to stand alongside trans folks in Vermont and across the country as we strive to ensure equality, acceptance, and civil rights for all.”

“As we work to pass laws that ensure equal rights and protections for trans Americans, speaking out publicly to voice our support for the trans community does indeed matter," said Senator Murray. “Nearly every day we see another ugly and hateful attempt to erase the LGBTQ community—particularly our trans friends, neighbors, and loved ones. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this resolution and to tell people across the country and trans kids especially: you belong.”

“The Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the lives and contributions of transgender Americans to our country, and recognizing how much work still needs to be done to ensure equality for transgender and non-binary people,” said Senator Wyden. “I’ll keep fighting for the proposition that transgender and non-binary people are fully entitled to live, work and be accepted in our society without facing the violence and discrimination that remain far too prevalent.”

“Today and every day, I’m proud to stand with the transgender community and recognize their resilience, bravery, and invaluable contributions to our society,” said Senator Fetterman. “As violence and discrimination against transgender Americans rises across the country, it’s our duty to stand firm with the transgender community in advocating for equality, dignity, and respect.”

“Today is a celebration of the accomplishments of transgender individuals and courage within the transgender community, as well as a reminder that we must stand firm against violence, discrimination, and fear-driven politics that target transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming Americans,” said Senator Booker. “I’m honored to stand alongside my colleagues in the Senate supporting this resolution that celebrates the remarkable contributions of transgender individuals worldwide. We will continue our collective journey towards a future where every person, regardless of gender identity, can live freely without fear.”

“Trans rights are human rights, and International Transgender Day of Visibility is a critical moment to uplift the trans community and reaffirm they deserve respect, equality, and protection from persecution at home and around the world,” said Senator Coons. “I stand with the trans community as we work to promote acceptance and understanding and end the senseless violence and hate that seeks to prevent trans people from living their full, authentic lives.”   

“The International Transgender Day Of Visibility acknowledges and celebrates the courage it takes for transgender and non-binary people to live life as their true, authentic selves,” said Senator Blumenthal. “I stand with the trans community and will fight for laws that combat the discrimination and violence they face.”

“Transgender Day of Visibility is an important opportunity to celebrate and express our support for transgender and nonbinary communities, especially in the face of an alarming rise in violence against trans Americans,” said Senator Padilla. “We must continue to fight discrimination against these communities and advocate for their right to live as their most authentic selves.” 

“This Transgender Day of Visibility and always, we reject senseless hate and celebrate all of the transgender and non-binary Americans who enrich our nation,” said Senator Duckworth. “As the transgender community continues to face horrific acts of violence and discrimination, let’s each reaffirm the truth that everyone deserves to be who they are without fear—today and every day.”

“Every trans and non-binary person deserves to live without fear of violence, hatred, and discrimination,” said Senator Butler. “That’s why I am proud to join my colleagues in this resolution to stand with the trans community and support their right to respect and dignity.”

The resolution is supported by the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Congressional Equality Caucus. A companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.).

“It’s been amazing to watch my transgender brother and gender non-conforming sibling be their authentic selves and live happily and confidently. I want every trans, GNC, and queer kid to have that same freedom – and that starts with visibility and representation,” said Representative Jacobs, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force. “That’s why I’m so proud to reintroduce this bicameral resolution to recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility and celebrate all their contributions. The LGBTQ+ community has so much to offer our country and the world, and they should always be treated with dignity and respect and have every door open to them. I will keep pushing back against this hateful wave of anti-LGBTQ+ and specifically anti-trans rhetoric and policies until everyone can live freely and authentically.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.